Franchise Fees And Two Cent Property Tax Levy Increase In City Budget

The city council carved nearly $191,200.00 of excess  from the city budget during a three hour special session last Thursday and approved the proposed budget on Tuesday, August 17 on a 3-1 vote.
The approved budget includes the addition of 5 percent franchise fees on water, sewer, solid waste and telephone and also includes a 2 cent increase on the property tax levy.
Voting to approve the budget were Thompson, Osterbuhr and Kleen.
Councilman Griess voted against approval of the budget, stating he opposed  the addition of the franchise fees.
The cuts and franchise fees were necessary, City Administrator Brent Lewis told the council, to balance the budget and make up for a nearly $400,000 shortage on the revenue side.

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